Why I Came Back: Lessons from a 35-Year Journey in Company Culture
Learn how Kevin Alvarado’s brief departure reinforced the value of R.S. Hughes’ people-first culture, customer obsession and collaborative spirit—and why those lessons continue to fuel a fulfilling 35-year career.
Contributed by Kevin Alvarado, Operations Manager
The Grass Isn’t Always Greener
When I began working part-time at R.S. Hughes while attending the University of Texas at Austin, I never imagined I’d spend the next 35 years (and counting) with the same company. I always appreciated the culture, but I didn’t truly understand its value until I briefly left for an opportunity at Enron in the early 2000s.
After ten years with R.S. Hughes, including six in Kansas City, I wanted to return to Houston to be closer to family. Enron offered me a position and relocation, and I accepted.
Almost immediately, I realized the culture wasn’t a fit. It was cutthroat, driven by competition rather than collaboration. Employees operated in fear under an aggressive business model, and I began to dread going to work. This was a stark contrast to what I had known.
Those nine months away reinforced a powerful truth: R.S. Hughes has a truly exceptional culture.
A Culture That Endures
At R.S. Hughes, I’ve always looked forward to coming to work. The challenges are real, but the environment is energizing. I genuinely enjoy working with my colleagues and the team I manage. We celebrate our wins together and find joy in the process.
One of the biggest reasons I’ve stayed is leadership. They’ve helped me grow both professionally and personally. Family is at the heart of our culture—leaders care deeply about you, your loved ones and your development. You’re never just a number. I strive to carry that same philosophy with the people I lead.
Customer-Obsessed from Day One
Another cornerstone of our culture is our unwavering focus on the customer. I admire how committed our President, John Mathis, is to this principle—it’s embedded in everything we do.
That mindset has been with us since the early days, when we had just 20 branches and were up against much larger competitors. We had to fight for every bit of business, and that drive still fuels us today.
When my team faces a challenge, I often pause and ask, “What’s best for the customer right now?” That question always brings clarity and helps us find the right path forward. After all, our customers are the reason we’re here.
Career Highlights
Some of the most meaningful moments in my career have come from the relationships I’ve built with colleagues, suppliers and customers. Many of those friendships continue to this day.
Opening the Kansas City branch with just one partner was a defining experience. We wired the phones so we could answer them from anywhere in the warehouse. We were scrappy, resilient and resourceful.
Other milestones include helping secure major accounts like BAE, United Airlines and Praxair during the early days of our National Accounts Program. More recently, I’ve partnered with Arturo Nunez, U.S. & Mexico Sales Manager—Converting Solutions, to double Houston’s business. Together, we built the company’s only assembly team for fracking gun components and expanded into kitting and relabeling for key customers.
Life Outside Work
Outside of work, my world revolves around my kids Alyssa (23) and Michael (25). We share a love for ‘80s and ‘90s alternative music, from Depeche Mode and The Cure to Everclear and Smashing Pumpkins. We recently saw Weezer and Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra live. It was an unforgettable experience.
Fishing is another passion. Whether it’s blue cats at Lake Conroe, crappie in northeast Texas or redfish along the Gulf Coast, I’m always chasing the thrill of the catch. The most intense? A bull or mako shark. You get it close, snap a photo, cut the line and back off fast. For me, it’s about the fight, not the trophy. I always release the big ones.
We’re also a college football family. I’m a proud Longhorn, while both my kids graduated from Texas A&M. The rivalry is real. We fly a “House Divided” flag at home, half burnt orange, half maroon.
Final Reflection
Leaving RS Hughes for a brief time was a mistake, but a mistake that made me truly appreciate how exceptional we are. It taught me how rare it is to find a company that values people, prioritizes customers and fosters a culture where you genuinely want to show up every day.
Thirty-five years later, I still wake up excited for the challenge. The grass isn’t always greener, but when you nurture the culture, the people and the customers, it grows better than you could ever imagine.